Original subtitles

-[Kim San panting] -[running steps]

Albright Scholarship Candidate Training

Faster!

[panting continues]

Hey, Kim San!

[loud pant]

[Kwangmin] Can you slow it down a little? [groans]

[Hanmin] Kwangmin, hurry up!

[groans]

Slow down, hey!

-Victory, sir! -Victory.

Here you are. Well done.

-[crowd applauding] -[camera shutter clicks]

Victory, sir!

-[crowd applauding] -Here. Well done.

Thank you, sir.

-[Kwangmin] Victory, sir! -[general] Victory.

[crowd applauding]

[indistinct chatter]

Sorry. I'm sorry.

[♪ light music playing]

-[plate thuds] -[paper bag rustling]

-[blows] -[camera shutter clicks]

[general] What are you doing?

[Kim San coughs]

I was gonna take these

-for my niece, Jina. -[soft chuckle]

[pats on Kim San's arm]

[sighs]

I'm sure you feel uneasy.

No, I'm fine.

Don't worry about anything. Just study.

It's one of the perks of being away.

We're sending you off so you can study without worrying about your family.

I'll keep that in mind.

How is your father's health? Still very ill?

Yes, he's not doing well.

[sniffles]

I'll give you... some money to live on.

That's all right, general. Don't worry about us.

Just take it and don't say a word.

Thank you, sir.

-Hey, take the rest of that home. -Yes, sir.

[breathes deeply]

[♪ pensive music playing]

[sighs]

Uncle Samsik

[♪ theme music playing]

Uncle Samsik

Father vs. Uncle

He's probably grasping onto Yosub's hands and sobbing right about now.

Completely unaware he's taken the bait.

[Professor Hwang chuckles] I'm sure Kang Seongmin would be grateful.

Yes, of course he would.

He would have never imagined this role.

That kid has been in the palm of my hand since the day I bottle-fed him.

Why are there so many US soldiers?

[Professor Hwang] US soldiers?

Something doesn't feel right here.

[♪ uneasy music playing]

[Michael] It seems most young officers are in agreement with this declaration.

There's also new intelligence from the US Army.

[inhales sharply, exhales deeply]

Uh, I will... be sure to keep the military under control.

[Yosub] The Assembly can be bought...

but not the military.

The occupation taught us that.

What other intelligence was there?

[Michael] The military looks set to appoint

a new First Operations Commander.

A new commander?

General Choi Hanrim is highly regarded within the military.

He's also very close with the US Army Commander.

Choi Hanrim?

Year 1960 Unknown, South Korea

Capital Defense Unit, Secret Bunker

Did you first meet First Operations commander, Choi Hanrim,

-at the Albright farewell party? -Yes, I met him there.

Is that when you discuss the coup d'etat?

[inhales deeply]

[tapping on table]

General Choi Hanrim was the soldier that I had the utmost admiration for.

He helped me when I needed it most.

He was just like a father to me.

February 19, 1960 Seoul, South Korea

Banya Hotel

[soldier] Salute!

Kim San.

-Hello, sir, how have you been? -[chuckles]

Is it true what they are saying?

I have joined the Democratic Party.

The political arena's difficult, huh? [pats on Kim San's arm]

[Hanrim] People think they're different from each other.

Eventually, they figure out that they're all the same.

When they figure it out, it's too late.

I'll keep that in mind.

-Shall we? -[doors open]

[indistinct chatter]

We both know too many people admire General Choi Hanrim.

Do you normally like those who are... admired?

-[scoffs] -They're just the worst.

[Doochill] Oh, there he is now.

Kim San is sticking right by his side.

Yeah, of course he is. That's why we're here tonight.

General Choi Hanrim is here.

Do they look a bit too close to you?

[Doosik] You said that's why you came.

Well, it's not necessary to appear so close.

He's like a father to Kim San.

Choo Intae is like his father. Choi Hanrim is like his father.

Every man and his dog could be like his father.

-Is Samsik getting jealous? -[lighter clicking]

Jealous? [laughs]

-[crowd applauding] -[camera shutter clicks]

Segang Textiles Director An Kichul

is here to deliver their donation on behalf of the Cheongwoo Federation.

-[camera shutter clicks] -[crowd applauding]

This year, we're sending 12 scholarship recipients to America.

Now please welcome my little sister, Rachael Jeong...

of the Albright Foundation.

-[crowd applauding] -[camera shutter clicking]

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm Rachael Jeong from the Albright Foundation.

First and foremost, I'd like to say thank you for your time

and that I truly, deeply appreciate

each and every one of you here with us today.

It is an honor to do what we do.

But without further ado, it is my pleasure to introduce to you

the Albright scholarship program students.

[crowd applauding]

Let's congratulate our scholarship recipients.

[Rachael] Presenting, we have our Albright alumni.

Kim San, Jeong Hanmin, and Kim Kwangmin to the front, please.

Attention. Salute.

-[camera shutter clicks] -[crowd applauding]

[camera shutter clicking]

[crowd applauding]

Rachael, have you spoken with the minister yet?

Long time no see, Colonel.

You told your uncle, right?

When I go back to America...

"Let us not become weary in doing good,

for at the proper time, we shall reap a harvest

if we don't give up."

Galatians 6:9. Words I live by, Colonel.

As long as you don't give up and as long as I don't give up,

I feel that all the seeds we've planted won't go to waste.

You haven't told the minister yet?

I haven't told my uncle yet because I feel that he'd be...

-disappointed. -[colonel] Mm.

Colonel, the Albright Foundation has its eyes on you

and your level of patience.

Whether you're growing weary or not...

have some faith. Imagine the harvest we'd soon reap.

I'll send your best to my father and my uncle.

-[colonel] Mm-hmm. -Now if you'll excuse me.

-[Michael] Uncle Samsik. -Oh, Michael.

My little sister, Rachael.

Rachael, this is Uncle Samsik.

-Uncle Samsik. -You've heard all about him.

It's a pleasure.

I've heard many great things. It's nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

There's something very American about you.

[chuckles] Well, I am American.

Ah.

I'm going to take a moment 'cause of my shoes, okay?

-Ah, okay. -Excuse me.

My shoes are uncomfortable.

[Rachael] I'll see you next time.

-Ah, Rachael, hi. -[Rachael] Hello.

Seonyoowon

Cha Taemin killed three of my men and then ran away.

I assume you took care of the evidence?

Yes, of course. Burned every bit of it.

[Jiwook] Oh, one more thing...

Yes, go on.

Uh, so, you know how we had that big flood?

Well, a bridge was destroyed in our district.

We'll discuss district matters later.

[sighs]

All right, well, fine.

I mean, you said, "Go on", so...

[Jiwook sighs]

[Rachael] Excuse me.

Yes, miss?

Can you help me fix my shoe?

-Me? -Mm-hmm.

You want me to fix your shoe?

Yes, please.

[puffs]

Okay.

Actually... never mind.

I'll figure it out myself.

[exhales sharply] As you wish.

[clacks]

[high heels clacking]

[high heels clacking]

[breathes sharply]

Excuse me.

Can I get a light?

Do you remember the Battle of Nakdong River?

-Ah, of course, I remember. -[chuckles]

Oh, we were bombarded for 28 hours straight.

[Hanmin] What should I say?

[commander] I thought you were dead then. [chuckles]

Oh, sorry. Sorry.

And I thought to myself,

"What are these communists doing here? Huh?"

-I don't... -[Hanmin clears throat]

What is it?

Sir, you mentioned earlier I should meet some of the Americans.

Of course, we're sharing war stories.

The commander here thought I died at Nakdong.

[Hanmin] Excuse me, sir.

-I hope I'm not interrupting. -Nah.

-[commander chuckles] -Nice to meet you, sir.

Uh... you thought he died?

-[Hanrim] Mm-hmm. -Oh, but you came back,

because... you saw some communist in heaven.

[laughter]

-Hey, that's a good one. -Yeah.

As you said,

I thought I was a goner but I'm here.

-Oh, yeah. -[laughter]

He is a funny one. [chuckles]

Sineui Alliance Charter

[♪ suspenseful music playing]

[colonel] Who knew that Cuba would fall under a communist regime, right?

Surprised everyone, I would say, sir.

It's people like you, General Choi, who should be in politics.

-Are you thinking of running, sir? -I'm not doing that.

That's foreign interference.

To bring up politics to a military officer? Hey.

In the event

that South Korea really does become a communist country...

[inhales sharply] Well, mm...

Uh... the general feels like you shouldn't talk about politics,

considering his position.

-And although he doesn't think that... -[footsteps approaching]

-...South Korea could become a comm... -[officer clears throat]

I believe that you're in my seat, sir.

And who are you?

Jason Arrent. I'm a political officer at the US embassy.

Embassy?

Okay. Embassy.

[sighs] Right.

What is it? Why'd you come back?

Well, a guy from the embassy said that I was in his seat.

Yeah, but you could have stood your ground.

Why'd you walk away?

-[Hanmin sighs] -What were they saying?

Is he getting into politics?

Is he?

Uh, well, he had said that...

in the extremely unlikely event

that South Korea becomes a communist nation...

If it does, what?

Well, that's when the embassy guy interrupted.

[sighs] At the most critical second,

you got pushed out.

[Rachael] Do you remember me?

I do.

From the scholarship ceremony.

-Right? -Right.

Lovely.

Very good memory.

I remember everything about that day.

Your National Reconstruction Plan.

I found it interesting.

Eye-opening, actually.

Thank you.

Do you really think it's possible?

Maybe.

Only if we open it up and pull everything apart

to rebuild it from the ground up.

[laughs]

What's funny?

You couldn't fix a shoe.

You got to give it to me to fix it.

And if I do,

can you fix it?

A lot of people have lost money from making investments in Cuba.

Why would anyone want to invest in Korea

if things are even worse here?

Um, South Korea is different from Cuba.

I can't trust the Korean government just yet.

So...

are you saying that you're not going to invest in our... industrial complex?

What more do you need?

Guarantee of payment from the Korean government.

Right, yeah.

Are you... really getting into politics?

Yes, I am, sir.

Think you can beat seasoned politicians?

I will do my best.

[Hanrim] Come and see me sometime soon.

-I got something to tell you. -Yes, sir.

[engine starts]

[engine revving]

-[door opens] -[Doochill chuckles]

You're bowing to the rear end of a car.

What did Petron Harvest say?

They want a guarantee of payment from our side.

Come on, we can't guarantee that.

-[Kwangmin] What a mess. -Hop in. I'll give you a ride home.

-[Kim San] Stay in touch. -Bye.

See you later.

Hey, you did all right.

Well, was it worth it spending time with your father, Mr. Choi?

Wow, how childish.

You've got a father in every town, huh?

Not as many as the nephews you have, Uncle.

Okay.

So what, you've been counting my nephews?

General Choi Hanrim is best left alone.

Why? Because he's your father?

-Will you kill him if he is? -[chuckles]

You act like I'm a horrible person.

Well, you said it yourself.

I guess so. I guess I did.

But that was just...

That was only in certain circumstances,

for certain reasons, when there was no other way.

In each time, didn't you get Cha Taemin to kill them?

I won't kill Hanrim. I'll strip him of his rank.

Could you do that?

I've spent my whole life doing that type of thing.

What's the plan?

I plan to go after Pak Jiwook and use Han Soo as bait.

Then what?

Then Pak Jiwook could be the bait to get Choi Hanrim, that's what.

[newsperson] Extra, extra! Read all about it!

Kang Seongmin's ambition behind his push for the Local Government Act amendment

[newsperson] Extra, extra!

[Doochill] There will be an article about the Local Government Act

in tomorrow's paper.

Choi Minkyu will start hassling Kang Seongmin,

trying to rush the election.

I think the assemblymen who are against the bill leaked it.

[Minkyu] How is it you still haven't taken control of the party?

I need this bill passed now!

-We still have time to get control. -There's no more time left. Get on it!

If we don't have the numbers...

then forge the votes we need.

Get it done now!

-[call ends] -[knocks on door]

[door opens]

What'd he say?

He said to get the bill passed now.

Right now, huh?

Can we do that?

National Assembly

[assemblyman 1] This is just... such a blatant abuse of power.

[assemblyman 2] Why would you get government workers involved in elections?

Because they're needed.

We simply can't agree to such a ridiculous proposal.

It's just out of the question.

Hey, this is all for the president.

You say it's for the president's sake?

It's clearly for Kang Seongmin's sake.

[door opens]

[Jiwook clears throat]

I spent over 20 years of my life serving in the police force...

and I realized...

everyone has got skeletons in their closest.

And...

if you look hard enough,

you'll be shocked... [gasps]

...of what you'd find in there.

I have records of the assets you keep under different names,

records of the bribes from businesses in your district and documents

regarding your kids and the schools they got into.

I've got all the dirt, yeah. Got it from the National Security Bureau.

When we serve Kang Seongmin, we serve the party itself.

And of course, the president, yeah?

[chuckles]

Kang Seongmin in the Sineui Alliance?

Are you insane, huh?

Each of you could be brought down in a second, you idiots!

[assemblyman clears throat]

Seonyoowon

[Jiwook sighs]

[sighs] So, I've summoned all those assemblymen,

the ones who ran away.

-Well done. -By tomorrow evening,

we could have up to a 180.

[Jiwook chuckles]

List of assemblymen in favor of the Local Government Act amendment

Oh,

and those articles that keep getting published...

I think that Samsik is leaking information.

[Jiwook] Who else could get those documents from Cha Taemin?

[Seongmin] The Sineui Alliance ones that were on the paper?

Let's just focus on the Local Government Act.

I'm suspicious of that Samsik guy.

I had someone follow that kid.

[Jiwook] Kim San, Choo Intae's son-in-law.

They spend a lot of time together.

[♪ suspenseful music playing]

They even met with An Yosub.

[Jiwook clicks tongue] You can't trust that guy, Samsik.

Where does Kim work?

[Jiwook] He was at the National Reconstruction Bureau.

[Kim San] Sir, I need to speak with you.

This man looks familiar.

[Minkyu] Didn't you read today's paper?

Oh, I remember. I've seen him before.

[door opens]

What do you think?

Should I keep digging?

[telephone rings]

Hello?

Yes, he's here.

The call's for you, sir.

-This is Kang Seongmin. -Assemblyman.

Ah, good, you're there.

Well, I've got something to pass along to you. It's pretty urgent.

Ah, what should I do? I make I could meet you there, I suppose.

-All right. I'll wait here. -Okay.

Who was that?

Take good care of the assemblymen who come back to the city.

Hey, who was on the phone?

Was it Samsik?

-That piece of shit. -I'll take care of it myself.

You know what Samsik does, right?

Do you know what Samsik is up to right now?

I said I'll take care of it.

Now go.

[scoffs]

Goddammit.

[Jiwook sighs]

[footsteps receding]

[door opens]

What are you doing? Get the car started, kid.

-[driver] Yes, sir. -[Jiwook] Watch it!

[paper rustling]

Here.

Résumé: Kim San

So, An Yosub is...

is replacing me with Kim San?

[sighs] Right, well, uh... it's absurd, you know.

This caught me off guard.

So, An Yosub is still suspicious of me then?

[sighs]

Do you think that perhaps getting close to Kim San would be useful here?

Just in case. That way, if things get out of hand, I mean, I can...

you know, I can take certain actions.

Thank you.

Not at all. I feel like...

Well, isn't that what my role is?

Even if everyone in the world told me I should not trust Uncle Samsik,

I'd still put my trust in you.

Then work on the Local Government Act. You have to get it passed.

Yes, we need it passed before 11 p.m. tomorrow.

I'll make sure those opposed stay completely out of your way.

[Doochill] Oh, be careful.

Uncle Samsik always got me out of trouble.

I'll work twice as hard to make up for Yoon Palbong too.

Uh, have a good night.

Wait. [grunts]

I need to relieve myself first. You go ahead.

No, no, let me walk with you.

No, just go. Just go ahead.

Well done, sir.

Tell Han Soo to make sure the guys are ready.

[Doochill sighs]

[Seongmin retches, coughs]

[Seongmin retches, coughs]

[♪ tense music playing]

-Taemin? -"The Sineui Alliance

opposes all authorities and powers

that are oppressing the people and the nation.

The Sineui Alliance

does not hold power over others for personal gain."

-Hyung... -"We condemn philosophies,

people, and groups who monopolize authority and power.

We'll prepare the weapons and violence needed to enact this.

Proponents of suppression and persecution...

will feel the wrath of the Sineui Alliance."

It's the Sineui Alliance Code of Conduct that 16-year-old Kang Seongmin wrote.

[Taemin] You remember it?

Uh... [breathing shakily]

It was all Choi Minkyu.

I never sent people after you.

Kang...

Seongmin...

is the Sineui Alliance's final target.

No, wait! Just wait!

Give me a chance.

-What kind of chance? -Whatever it is.

I'll do it well. [breathes shakily]

Whatever it is, I'll do a good job, hyung.

I can't...

I can't just die here.

Why should I?

Taemin, please!

You've got one chance.

I have my eye on you.

[muttering, breathing shakily]

[footsteps receding]

Oh, what brings you here?

I have something to tell you.

Over here.

[Kim San] Listen.

Are you in touch with Yeojin?

Why? You don't care about her.

[sighs]

Kang Seongmin's backed into a corner and acting out.

He's trying to force government employees to...

-to work the elections. -Is that why you're here?

The articles are out already.

[breathes deeply]

Why are you attacking Kang Seongmin?

There's going to be a serious political reform soon.

After the election, that is.

And Kang Seongmin will become Prime Minister.

And you want to stop that from happening?

I'll give you an even bigger scoop.

Oh, yeah, what scoop?

An exclusive front-page photo...

-of an assemblyman hitting someone. -[♪ tense music playing]

Kang Seongmin will now try to pass

the Local Government Act under everyone's noses.

And when he does, you have to make sure your presence is known.

You mean go up against Kang Seongmin?

Just as I thought, you catch on quickly.

We need him to get it passed.

His reputation can't be changed with the Liberals.

That's it. I have nothing else to teach you now.

And I will get in his way

and be thought of as a champion for democracy, right?

[Doochill pats on Kim San's arm]

February 24, 1960 Seoul, South Korea

National Assembly

[♪ suspenseful music playing]

[clinks]

[line ringing]

Yeah. Are the Liberal Party members on their way?

[manager] Yes, sir. I have confirmed

with the ones coming back from the smaller towns.

All right.

[Sun] Of course. Yes, okay.

I have gathered 10 of the strongest assemblymen.

One of them is even a former wrestler.

All right, I call you. Just have them ready.

Oh, all right.

You think 10 is going to be enough?

The other side probably has over 100.

Sir, listen. There's nothing to worry about.

It'll be fine.

[♪ suspenseful music continues playing]

All right, use that to block the door.

-Let's go inside. -In there?

[dog barking in distance]

Two more rice wines.

Here, ma'am.

[indistinct chatter]

[assemblyman 1] Oh, here it is.

[assemblyman 2] This is great.

-All right. -[all] Cheers.

[laughter]

Thank you for making time, huh?

I'm actually very curious about

the National Reconstruction Plan details. [chuckles]

If you're offering to explain it to us independents,

-we would be very grateful. -[chuckles]

Kim San, Economic Policy Committee Chair.

[assemblyman 1] Hello, it's nice to meet you.

-[assemblyman 1 chuckles] -[assemblyman 2] Great to meet you.

-[Sun] Go ahead. Take a seat. -[assemblyman 1] Thank you.

[laughter]

Oh, no!

There's an important document that I forgot.

-I'll start the presentation then. -All right, all right. I'll be right back.

Okay? Stay where you are. Stay!

[door opens, closes]

-[member] Sir, what brings you here? -[Sun] Huh?

Uh... I seem to have forgotten something.

[laughing nervously]

-Hello. -[assemblyman] Sir, you're here.

Ah!

[Sun] You came. Oh, good to see you. [chuckles]

We can stay here, relax, have some tea

before we go to the National Assembly, all right?

-That'd be nice. -Oh, well. It's nothing too serious.

I just want to see you all

somewhere, uh, more quiet. [laughs]

-[Sun] Oh, assemblyman Kim! -[line ringing]

We partner with companies who can transfer technology.

Within five years,

we project up to a million dollars in exports.

He seems to be taking a while.

You're right.

I'm sure he'll be here soon.

-[assemblyman 1] Let's get over there. -[assemblyman 2] We should hurry.

[assemblyman 3] Yes, you're right, let's go.

[door rattling]

-[assemblyman 4] What is this? -[assemblyman 5] We're locked in.

-[assemblyman 6] Open the door! -[banging on door]

[assemblyman 7] Open up, fuckers! Fucking assholes!

[glasses clink]

-[♪ suspenseful music continues playing] -[assemblymen groaning]

[member] All right. Assemblyman Lee Chungwon, are you here?

-[Chungwon] Yes, I'm here. -[member] Ah, there you are, right.

Yes, sir.

What did he say? Come now?

Stand by for a moment.

Gosh...

Look at the time already.

Goodness, why is it taking so long?

Well then, bring me some whiskey.

[sighs] He told me no drinks for you.

Who did? Samsik?

Hey, I'll deal with him. Bring the whiskey over.

-Come on, don't be like that. -[sighs]

[member] Assemblyman Moon Kyungju?

-[Kyungju] Oh, I'm here. -[member] Oh, right, yes.

Welcome, Assemblyman Moon.

-[thug 1] Come on, sir, that's dangerous. -[assemblyman 1] Hey, you. Get us out!

-Please get back down. -[assemblyman 2] What are you doing?

-[assemblyman 3] Let us out! -Just hurry up and climb back down.

[assemblyman 4] Hurry up and open the door!

-Come on, you bastard! -[assemblyman 5] Open up!

[thug 2] Assemblymen. [sighs]

What's going on over here?

Time to head home. You can't stay, right?

The Liberal Party is out there trying to steal the election.

-Are you serious? -What for?

The Local Government Act.

We need to block them now!

How can 4 people block 100? It's not like we're Admiral Yi Sunsin.

[assemblyman 1] That's abuse of power!

This is a fraudulent vote!

-[assemblyman 2] Wait, Assemblyman Kim! -[door opens]

[assemblyman 3] We got to do something.

[♪ suspenseful music playing]

We can't stop these guys.

[assemblyman 1] We need to call the Democratic Party.

-You're right, I'll make the call. -[assemblyman 2] Okay.

-[telephone rings] -[snoring]

[indistinct chatter]

[glasses clinking]

Assemblymen, to the National Assembly now.

Assemblymen, you all need to hurry!

[cafe owner] You need to get to the National Assembly!

Hey, we got to go. Let's go, let's go!

[Sun] Hurry. Come on, let's get moving. Go. Let's go!

Ah! You're supposed to be at the National Assembly!

You can't even stand up.

You thought this was a time to have a little whiskey?

-You crazy old man! -I'm going! I'm going!

What if Kim San ends up getting hurt because of this?

Get out! Hurry up!

What's going on with you?

[Sun coughs]

How dare you? I'm an assemblyman! [grunts]

I told you not to... [sighs]

[indistinct chatter]

[♪ suspenseful music continues playing]

[assemblyman 1] Are we supposed to just watch this happen?

There are over a 100 Liberal Party assembly members!

[member] Let's head in to vote on the amendments

to the Local Government Act.

I trust that no one has come all this way to vote against it?

-[laughter] -Let us proceed.

[indistinct chatter]

We need to stop them from entering the hall.

-What do you think you're doing? -How dare you try to steal the vote?

[Seongmin] Just push through them.

[assemblyman 1] Link arms now! Link arms!

-Hey, hey! Block them! -This vote is invalid!

We are here to reject the fraudulent votes!

[Kim San] We reject the fraudulent votes!

[assemblyman 1] This vote is invalid!

What are you doing? Let go of me!

I'm rejecting this fraudulent vote, Kang Seongmin.

How dare you touch an assemblyman? Are you insane?

Yeah? Well, you're no assemblyman.

You're just Choi Minkyu's lackey.

-Bastard! -[grunts]

Oh! Mr. Kang!

[camera shutter clicking]

[camera shutter clicking]

-[♪ music fades] -[panting]

[dog barking in distance]

[♪ pensive music playing]

[Kim San shouts in distance] This vote is invalid!

We reject fraudulent votes!

This vote is invalid!

We reject abuse of power!

We reject fraudulent votes!

This vote is invalid!

[Kim San chuckles]

[spits]

[Kim San exhales deeply, breathes sharply]

What's all this? What happened? Who did this to your handsome face?

Who else would it be?

Kang Seongmin of course.

You did very well.

I got it.

You're not seriously worried about Kang, are you?

Of course not.

[breathes deeply]

[Hyunseok] The rushed passing of the Local Government Act...

I see you were very involved in it.

So, should we discuss the stolen election of March 15th now?

Can we at least have a smoke first?

[♪ closing theme music playing]